WA Liberal state director Sam Calabrese resigns from top job in wake of devastating 2021 State election loss

WA Liberal state director Sam Calabrese has resigned in the wake of his party’s devastating election loss. Mr Calabrese announced he was stepping down in a letter sent to members this evening, insisting his reasons for leaving were “purely personal” and would enable him to “pursue a new path”. The decision draws an end to Mr Calabrese’s three and a half years at the helm of the WA Liberals, which included successfully reclaiming Darling Range at the 2018 by-election and defying the polls to hold all of the party’s seats at the 2019 Federal election. But those victories were overshadowed by the worst electoral wipe-out in the history of WA politics, with the Liberals reduced to just two Lower House seats after securing just 21.3 per cent of the first preference vote compared to Labor’s 59.9 per cent. The landslide defeat has triggered a sweeping review, including of the election campaign overseen by Mr Calabrese and broader issues within the party including policy development, fundraising and how it preselects candidates. “Our unexpected, but hard-earned wins at the Darling Range by-election and the 2019 Federal elections are not only memories I will treasure but demonstrate what we as a party are capable of when we work together with a united focus,” Mr Calabrese wrote. “While we all share in the disappointment of the State election result, our party now has the opportunity to rebuild with stronger foundations. “I encourage everyone to take part in this process with a collaborative focus. It is a journey all Western Australian Liberals need to take together if we want to succeed. “After 14 years, close to half my life dedicated to serving the party in the secretariat and as an adviser in the Liberal State Government, my reasons for leaving are purely personal and will enable me to pursue a new path. “I have given it my all each and every day, and with a Federal election next year, it is the most appropriate time for a transition to a new state director.” The WA Liberals State Management Executive Committee — which includes Mr Calabrese, Parliamentary leader David Honey and president Fay Duda — are currently identifying candidates to lead the review. Their suggestions will be put to the lay party at the next meeting of the State Council. Former Liberal premier Richard Court is understood to have declined a request to lead what is expected to be a five-person panel. WA Liberal Senator Dean Smith has openly declared he would like to take part with other names in the mix including former State minister Cheryl Edwardes and Federal member Michael Keenan.